Tennessee's Jeremy Pruitt compared his winless program Monday to a sinking ship in light of two players already deciding to transfer.

"I think 'Titanic' came out when I was maybe in college," Pruitt said, courtesy of WATE Sports. "When the boat starts going down, remember all those mice running to the top, right? We've had a few that's left our program, but you'll figure out who wants to be a Tennessee Vol and who don't.

"I can tell you this: I want to. I know the standards and expectations that we have and the men on our staff and the character that they have. You'll see the best out of the players at Tennessee throughout the year."

The Volunteers have dropped home games to Georgia State and BYU to open the campaign, putting Rocky Top in a chronic state of angst and frustration.

Wide receiver Jordan Murphy and defensive back Terrell Bailey left the team after the Georgia State loss.

Pruitt, who's in his second year as Tennessee's head coach, owns a cumulative record of 5-9.